Disability Type: Angelman Syndrome

: Last Updated: 20 September 2019; Hits: 1528

This fact sheet provides information on Angelman Syndrome, its frequency, signs and symptoms, and treatment.

A fact sheet you can download and print, which provides information about Angelman syndrome, its frequency, signs and symptoms, and treatment.

This disease is a disability type-specific to section 24 of the NDIS Act.

Angelman Syndrome Angelman Syndrome is a congenital genetic condition, meaning it is present from birth, which mainly affects the nervous system. Characteristics of Angelman Syndrome include intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, recurrent seizures and speech problems. Children who have Angelman syndrome typically are happy, and excitable, with frequent laughter, and hand flapping. Most cases are due to a missing part of the mother’s copy of chromosome 15.

Frequency

Approximately 1 case in every 15, 000- 20, 000 people Signs and Symptoms
Delay in motor development, for example, a delay in sitting, crawling or walking. This is typically noticed around the age of 6-12 months when children would usually become more active
Difficulty sleeping as a child, and typically needing less sleep
Problems with speech, with little or no speech development
Jerky, “puppet-like” body movements, and difficulty with balance
Hand flapping and hyperactive behaviour
Intellectual disability
Distinctive facial features including small head size and flattened back of the head, prominent jaw and widely spaced teeth, and deep-set eyes.
In some cases, there may be curving of the spine (scoliosis)

Treatment

There is no known curative treatment for Angelman syndrome. Some options for aiding with symptoms include:

Speech therapy
Occupational therapy for fine motor skills, and self-care skills
Classroom aid for assistance through schooling
Anti-epileptic medication to relieve seizures
Physiotherapy to help improve balance and movement problems

Disclaimer

This fact sheet provides general information about the disability and is for informational purposes only. It is not a guarantee that you will meet the disability requirements in section 24 of the NDIS Act.